Valentine's Gifts for Borderline Hipster Boyfriends

1. Murdock Luxury Full Service £120 here
2. Ray Ban sunglasses £115 here
3. Nikka Pure Malt Black Japanese Whisky £53 here
4. Uniform Wares watch £680 here
5. Sloane Stationery Notebook £39 here
6. Byredo Mister Marvelous Cologne £185 here
7. Fantastic Man: Men of Great Style and Substance book £29.95 here
8. Mac & Wild Auld Pal bottled cocktail £29.95 here

Buying for boys is never easy. Particularly buying for boys on Valentine's Day. They have it so easy, don't they? They just need to look on your Pinterest 'Wishlist' board and they're sorted. Boys are not so simple, particularly not super picky hipster boys. 

I've come to the conclusion, having attended a fair few blogger events in my youth (ah – the golden days), that most young, fashion girls have fittingly handsome, beared, borderline hipster boyfriends. Usually on hand to hold the camera when she needs her #ootd or whatever the kids call it these days.

While I am currently sans-boyfriend, and am rather more excited at the prospect of deep fried Mars bar pancakes at chic Scottish (words which usually don't go together) eatery Mac & Wild, I feel like I understand this thoroughly modern breed of man.

So, if you've not yet settled on something for your special someone, I've picked out a few options.

Isn't He Marvelous?

Father's Day is just around the corner, so if you're looking for a fabulous gift for your number one man, then look no further than Byredo's charming Mister Marvelous eau de parfum.

Byredo is my preferred perfume house of the moment, for I am obsessed with the vibrant Flowerhead scent of wild jasmine blossoms and angelica seeds. I like to find an unusual scent, and Byredo's complex blends fit the bill. Based in Stockholm, Byredo was founded by Ben Gorham in 2006 and the line can now be found in Liberty.

The earthy Gypsy Water scent, perhaps the most popular, is unisex, but Mister Marvelous is just pour hommes.  Mister Marvelous is inspired by hairstylist Christiaan Houtenbos, the man who Ben Gorham sees to embody the Byredo brand. The scent is fresh at first with notes of mandarin leaf and neroli bloom, a heart of bamboo and lavender, and an inviting base of black amber and cedarwood.

Encased in the signature Byredo bottle, the scent makes for an elegant father's day gift for all manner of marvelous misters.

The eau de parfum is £130 for 100ml, available here.

Last Chance to Get Personal

 

Alex Monroe  is my go-to for delicate, beautifully crafted jewellery that will work for any occasion. The latest addition to the Alex Monroe collection is the idiosyncratic Enchanted Twig Alphabet Necklace in 18ct gold. At £375, these dainty, elegant necklaces are future classics. You can shop these here, or if you're in London this weekend pop along to the Alex Monroe sample sale which you can find out about here. 

Come Christmas, everybody wants something a little bit special. 

When I begin to think about Christmas shopping, my imagination really does run wild. I have so many great ideas for gifts, but sadly my student budget restricts my delusions of gifting grandeur.

However, to quote my darling Mum, "it's the thought that counts". A thoughtful gift, such as a photo album chock-a-block full of memories, can be every bit as adorable as a pair of Manolo Blahnik BBs... Well, not quite that adorable. Let's not be daft now. 

So if you're look for something special and thoughtful that won't break the bank, then look no further than the latest influx of personalised pieces to delight your darlings on Christmas day.

From ID tag bracelets through to jewel tone suede slippers, there is something for every giftee, no matter how fussy he/she may be. (PS boys yours is to follow so hold your horses.)

With a cool 19 days until you lay out your miniature mince piece for Santa's sustenance (yes, that IS your cue to panic), it is time to get personal and place your orders. 

Here is my edit.

Gifts with Wit by [v&bp]

Over Summer I have become obsessed with Pinterest. I could easily spend endless hours perusing various boards wondering why my dressing table never looks quite so elegant or my statement jewellery quite so twinkly. 

Nevertheless, I do tend to find a lot of inspiration on Pinterest, particularly when it comes to interiors. While my dreams are unlikely to leap from the pages of Vogue to Homes & Gardens any time soon, I have grown to appreciate slick interior design and kooky finishing touches. 

Later this month a couple of friends and I are due to move in to our new place in Battersea (yes, SW Fashion is moving SW). We are all hugely excited to get ourselves settled, and I have been hunting high and low for some stylish pieces to make our new flat look contemporary and chic. In my quest I have found a number of smaller brands which I just had to share with you, starting with Vinegar & Brown Paper.

Vinegar & Brown Paper is a charming boutique brand specialising in individually etched pieces ranging from lab glass through to sweetie jars and milk bottles. You can buy online, but [v&bp] is also stocked in a number of boutiques across England, all of which you will find listed here.

The witty pieces are unique and stylish, and really are the perfect gifts for he or she who appears to have EVERYTHING. Well, I bet they don't have a flask and beaker set engraved with GnT?

Vinegar & Brown Paper have something to suit everyone, be it an ink bottle engraved with Use Your Ink Well for budding wordsmiths or a personally engraved milk bottle for a newlywed couple.

If you are lacking gift inspiration, then you needn't look any further!

The stylish and modern brand produces pieces that are unique and picture-perfect: the sort of gift that you long to show off, the sort of gift that you are likely to remember.

I personally have fallen head-over-heels (as if often the case when gin is involved) with the GnT flask and beaker. They have that clinical aesthetic to a tee (oh hey there Aesop and Le Labo) and are sure to make Gin O'Clock a chic affair.

Girls with class don't need a glass... They need a litre flask.

The Creative Juices apothecary bottle also makes for a fabulous present for all those artistic types, who are notoriously tricky to buy for. You'll know it's a hit when it makes it to their Instagram feed complete with #bestpresent and #friendoftheyear.

So if you're thinking of buying me a flat-warming gift (!!), any of the above shall do the trick.

You can shop the full collection here.

Mother's Day: Spoil Her Rotten

Following yesterday's Mother's Day post full of lots of tasty treats and scents, today i'm going for something rather more luxurious. 

While it is certainly cutting it a tad fine, I just felt I needed to share these lovely picks with you. I also think that this post shall act as another gift for mum... A "things I would have bought you if I were rich" sort of thing.

You're welcome, mum. I've been rather generous, I know! 

I tweeted recently (@SWfashion_  love a shameless plug) about my overwhelming desire to spoil mum rotten this mother's day which clashes with my depleted bank balance. Someone was sweet enough to remind me in their response that it is not about money at all. 

Though these decadent treats are sure to put a smile on your mum's face, i'm sure she'd be every bit as grateful if you were to bring her breakfast in bed, run her a bubble bath and maybe even cook her a meal. 

Think of all she does for you, after all!

1. The new Mulberry Willow tote is a total godsend. While it is not exactly cheap at £1500 for this rose petal pink offering, you're basically getting two bags for the price of one as that natty little zip pouch at the front also doubles as a clutch. This is a deliciously decadent gift for mum, though it may be very difficult to part with something so very pretty.

2. I love Anya Hindmarch and this zip pouch in a lovely powdery green shade is a great way to say thanks to your mum for all she's put up with over the years! It's £135 from Selfridges. 

3. Mum's are the biggest stars around, so remind her of this little fact with these Anthropologie crystal studs. Anthropologie is a great place to look for mother's day presents- it's all so pretty and at a reasonable pricepoint. These studs are £18 here.

4. Ever since I was very little I have been telling my parents that I love them to the moon and back. This twinkling diamond ring from London-based boutique EC One would be a lovely way to remind my mum just how much she means to me. It is a bit of an investment at £368 but she's worth every last penny. You can buy the ring here. While on the EC One website, I also urge you to enter their I Love Mum competition. All you have to do to win a £200 voucher is send over a picture of you and your mum along with a few lines on why you love her so dearly. Enter here.

5. Another luscious candle. This Neom Organic Happiness candle, available at Selfridges, is natural and fresh. It has such an uplifting springtime scent with notes of mimosa, lemon and white neroli. It is £39.95 but will last for ages.

6. It kind of annoys me that I totally forgot about this Alex Monroe necklace when I was shopping for mother's day presents. The minute I saw it, I thought of my mum and I only wish that I had thought to buy it there and then. With a dinky little watering can adorned with a crystal blue water droplet, this charming pendant is perfect for any greenfingered mums! It is £138 in gold, here.

7. No card is truer, in all honesty, and I think these Door 77 cards (available on this site or on Not On The High Street) are some of the simplest but sweetest cards money can buy.

8. I have become all rather obsessed with Kate Spade since stumbling upon her store in Westfield a couple of months ago. I've since spent way too much time and money in there buying lots of cutesy little things that I certainly do not need, but certainly DO want. This blue bow bangle is a gorgeously unique gift for any lady, particularly a chic mum.

9. Smythson do the most wonderfully crafted leather stationary around and this Yummy Mummy notebook is the most lovely gift. I think it's really sweet to give something like this for mother's day, as it will always be remembered and cherished. You can buy it here for just £45.

10. Another one I wish i'd bought. Sadly I only spotted this Door 77 card after having bought both my card and present. This handmade card is truly special and will certainly put a smile on her face. Buy it from Door 77 or on NOTHS. For an extra £7 you can have it framed, which I think would make for a really special gift. I actually bought my dad the card at number 7 and framed it for him.

11. Most mum's love champagne. This is a fact. Most women do too. This is also a fact. If your mum has a taste for the pink fizz, you simply must indulge her with this extravagant Laurent Perrier gift set with four champagne flutes adorned with rosy pink decoration. It is £92 from Harvey Nichols, but is another gift that just keeps on giving! 

Yummy for Mummy : Sweet Everything !

This cute little card is available from Paperchase. Aaaw

What makes a good mum? Sugar, spice and all things nice, I think, and I know that my mum ticks all these boxes. 

She's the sweetest woman around. I know i'm biased, but I really think she is. It is beyond comprehension how much stress I have put my lovely mum through, and yet she STILL hasn't thrown me out on the cold streets of Edinburgh to fend for myself. Not even once. That, my friends, is a testament to the loving nature of my mum. She has a solution for my every problem and is the only person who can truly make me feel better when all else fails. My mum is sugary sweet in every sense of the word and I don't think a day is quite enough to celebrate this. 

That is not to say, though, that my mum doesn't have a little bit of spice in her. While i've not got some sort of feisty diva mother, she stands for NO nonsense. While I may have once thought I could get away with murder, mum made DAMN sure that that would not happen. She is the sweetest woman around, and would do anything for her three girls, but she's still the furthest thing from a pushover.

All things nice. I shant bore you all by listing all the lovely, beautiful qualities that my mum has. I could list a million and one reasons why she is my rock and why nobody in this entire universe could replace her. She means the world to me and is the biggest inspiration in my life and always shall be. Nice doesn't do my mother justice, to be honest, and it's important that she knows just how much she means to me this Mother's Day!

Unfortunately I am in London for Mothering Sunday, but I have sent a little treat up to Scotland for my mum to open alongside her Bucks Fizz on Sunday morning (Dad, you'll sort this, okay?).  It's something she won't be expecting and I hope she likes it.

Nevertheless, I simply HAD to do a couple of posts featuring all the other amazing potential gifts for gorgeous mummies everywhere, starting with this SWEET EVERYTHING edit. 

Sugar, spice and all things nice. That's my girl!

1. Though my mum isn't actually a fan of afternoon tea, but most aren't so difficult! If you are based in Edinburgh, i've got a little godsend for you. Eteaket is my favourite place for a spot of bespoke tea in my hometown. It is a quaint but modern little teahouse just off George Street who also sell their own divine blends (Blooming Marvellous is every bit as bloomin' marvellous as the name suggests- a green tea imbued with a marshmallow sweetness is always going to go down well.) For mother's day they are offering a voucher for Afternoon Tea for Two for just £29.99. What could be sweeter than bonding over some jammy scones, classic tea and dainty delights?

2. NOW we are speaking my mum's language! I am my mother's daughter, after all, and we both love a cheeky glass of vino. Or two... Or three... You catch my drift. I love this I HEART Rose which is a sweet snip at just £5.99.

3. If you aren't much of a baker, like yours truly, treat mummy dearest to this Lemon Tart scent from Jo Malone's aptly-titled Sugar and Spice collection. Read my review of the scents here.

4. Another mention of Bucks Fizz! Bucks Fizz (or Mimosa's if you're feeling exotic) are freshly squeezed orange juice topped up with chilled champagne. My mum loves a Bucks Fizz on a special occasion and these chocolates are a lovely little take on the classic flavour combination. Rich and velvety, Charbonnel & Walker chocolates are second to none. No matter how strictly I control my diet, I could easily wolf down a box of these in a sitting.

5. While foodie snobs may be heralding the demise of the macaroon, i'm still obsessed with Ladurée and would happily eat macaroons until the cows come home. Still, i'm welcoming the latest baking trend with Meringue Girls! Dainty, light and in the most luxurious flavours imaginable, I am dying to try these crisp meringues that have been a hit in fashion circles. They are available from Harvey Nichols in cute gift jars- perfect for mum!

6. To reiterate, I still love macaroons, so imagine my delight at coming across these Urban Apothecary candles inspired by Macaroons. Candles are foolproof for mums (and most ladies, to be honest) and these ones sounds truly scrumptious! My pick has to be the Frangipan scented offering. In pretty glass containers, these candles are a wonderfully unique gift.

7. I can't even express how delicious this Redcurrant and Cream scent by Jo Malone smells. Read my review here, or dive straight in and snap it up here.

8. On Sunday, across the land, mother's shall be heralding 7.00 PM "Gin O'Clock". Well, perhaps not, but they should be. Gin always seems to be a favourite with yum mum's and this raspberry infused bottle by Edinburgh Gin makes a lovely gift... And a pretty pink G&T!

 10. Last but not least, for the truly sweet of tooth, the Biscuiteers is the place to go. This indulgent tin box filled with artfully iced butterfly biscuits is a thoughtful gift that she is sure to love. What could be better with a cup of tea? Trust me... These biccys are delicious. 

Tomorrow I shall be posting a few more gifts- stay tuned!

Valentines 2013: The Classics

(background image from here)

It's that time of year again. It's such fun if you're loved up, but less so if you're a single pringle. 

Bitterness aside, there is no denying that we can all appreciate the truly adorable pieces that can be found in the stores at the moment.

From the spine-tingling sexy lingerie through to the kitschy cutesy cards, there is something for everyone this time round. 

I'll be doing a few gifty guides over the next week, but i'll ease in with these unadulterated, romantic goodies that are classic but not even remotely cliche. 

If you would quite happily never see another heart-cuddling teddy bear again, you best direct your other half to this little post quick smart!

1. These cute cards from Topshop are the perfect little gesture for a loved one (£3.50 here)

2. It's a cheesy old chat up line, but this Paperchase card is also very cute. (£2.50 here)

3. I'm getting really into stamps just now (I'm that cool, yup) and this little Love Hearts stamp is an adorable little Valentines gift or treat. (£7.50 here)

4. Okay, this Paris Love bracelet by Mademoiselle Felee is a total beauty! It is delicate but stylish and a really unique present. (£34.50 here)

5. I'm weak at the knees for Mimi Holliday and this romantic Confetti Bomb balconette bra in an explosion of  coral and cherry polka dots is divine! Next on my list for sure. (£54 here)

6. Nicolas Feuillatte champagne is absolutely beautiful, and this rose offering is ideal for your pretty in pink lady. (£30 here) 

7. Sickeningly sweet, I know, but some people LOVE that. This key is an adorable gift for the person that truly does hold the key to your heart. (£8.50 NOTHS)

8. What lady wouldn't love a little Mulberry pouch on Valentines morning? This cherry red offering peppered with golden hearts is a romantic keepsake for your significant other. (£195 here)

9. I was lucky enough to receive these earrings for my birthday in a delicious aquamarine shade, but I love this pinky coral option for a more lovey-dovey twist. (£22 here)

10. What's the point in getting a bra without the matching knickers, boys? If you're treating your lucky lady to the Confetti Bomb bra, i'd be sure to pop these cerise lacy knickers in your basket as well. Tres jolie! (£40 here)

11. For another sickeningly adorable gift, why not invest in this gold-plated 'Cosy Lovebirds' pendant from Alex Monroe. It truly is beautiful and is most thoughtful! (£132 here)

12. How about these pillowcases for a you lovebirds to rest your sleepy heads on at night? I LOVE these (£45 here) 

13. Another little Mulberry indulgence, this is atop my wishlist at the moment, and i'm sure your other half would be more than grateful for one of these on the 14th. (£60 here)

14. More lingerie, this time you may go a little naughtier with a trip to Agent Provocateur. This silken Novah bra is truly glorious, even more so on. In rich raspberry satin with a kiss of scarlet lace, this bra is worth every last penny. (£95 here)

15. Pucker up! If you're looking for a little kiss this Valentines, then this Lulu Guinness lip clutch is sure to help you on your way. A modern classic! (£375 here)

16. These Charlotte Olympia limited edition Delphine heels are nothing short of yummy! They will 100% have you in the good books from here to eternity. (£595 here)

17. If you're looking for a little beauty product for your little miss, this limited edition 'Fracas' nail polish from Chanel should be just the ticket. It's sure to sell out fast, so get yourself to Selfridges to snap up this passionate bubblegum pink.  

18. These Novah lace trim silken french knickers are practically essential if you're buying the bra! The quality is superlative. (£65 here)

19. Yet another adorable card to swoon over. Not On The High Street always do 'em best, boys! This one contains a personalised love note- all together now: AAAAW. (£4.50 here)

Gift Guide: The Good Time Girl

Leaving it to the last minute? So are the majority of us, don't worry.

Christmas has come upon us all rather suddenly, hasn't it? And now you may be ready to join the majority of the United Kingdom in trawling the high streets hunting for "ANYTHING" to buy for friends/family etc.

If you're still stuck, check out this year's gift guides on the blog including : 

* The Sweet Tooth

* The Gym Bunny 

* The Goth Girl

* The Glitter Girl

* The Cosy Cutie

* The Romantic

And, last but not least, the Good Time Girl!

Who? The Good Time Girl is the life and soul of the party, the girl who everyone counts on to light up a room, the girl who never says no to a night out and the girl who knows that life is for living! 

What does she love? She loves to have fun, first and foremost!

Where does she shop? Topshop for party dresses, Nails Inc for fabulous nail art, Urban Outfitters for fun bits and bobs and Dannijo for sparkling jewellery. 

1. This little embellished romper from Topshop is a cool £200, but it is the ideal gift for the belle of the ball.
2. I love Wildfox tees for Christmas presents, and this Young Hearts Run Free tee is £68
3. I adore this little sparkly 'Glitterball' iPad case from Kate Spade- so sweet and fun ! $80
4. Girls With Class Don't Need A Glass- this hip flask is great for any good time girl. £12 at Urban Outfitters or 2 for £15
5. Time does indeed fly when you're having fun, so do something thoughtful this Christmas and give her this Urban Outfitters photo album, full of pictures from the time of your life- £18, exclusive online.
6. Speaking of fun, how gorgeous is this bottle of Absolut Unique Edition vodka? The perfect gift, each one of these pop-art bottles is different, and what crazy girl doesn't love some crisp, clean Absolut vodka? £21.50 from Harvey Nichols and Selfridges
7. I think that Philosophy bath shower gels make for the best presents- and this Senorita Margarita hit is a bit of a cult classic. It smells zingy, fresh and fun, £14.
8. I love Nails Inc polishes, and I think that their Couture service is just fabulous for a quirky Christmas gift. You can get it done in a few stores, or order online, and choose a pretty topper, your favourite colour and personalise the label to suit the giftee. I opted for this zingy neon coral topped with a gold sparkly lid, this combination would set you back £20.
9. This hot pink postmans lock organiser from Mulberry is simply a gorgeous present, and any lady would be lucky to have it! £295 from Mulberry stores. 
10. These fabulously sparkly crystal drop earrings from River Island are the perfect accompaniment to any show-stopping little sequin dress, £10.
11. This stuff smells just divine! This Bliss 'Berry Bubbly' set of Raspberry Champagne bubble bath and body butter smells fruity and sweet and is the perfect pre or post party pampering routine, £29.
12. I absolutely love this stunning cuff by Dannijo. You can buy it as a set with several cool bracelets in what The Man Repeller Leandra Medine calls the Wanderlust Arm Party for $595, or you can stick to this bold but sophisticated Smyson cuff at $420.
13. Last but not least, keep chilly hands at bay with these fun Hi 5 mittens from Kate Spade- I love them ! $47.00 on sale.

Gift Guide: The Romantic

Christmas is, undoubtedly, a time to spend with loved ones, and if you're lucky enough to be all loved up this Christmas, then you'll no doubt be hunting for the perfect gift for your special somebody.

 And, as a much as i'm sure a lovey-dovey Christmas is beautiful, I must admit that I don't really envy you- buying the perfect present is a total nightmare.

In saying that, though, I simply must put my hands up and say that it is even harder for the boys. We're a picky lot, us ladies, and the worst part is that when men feel defeated and deflated after a good few hours of trawling the department stores, they will simply march to the lingerie department and buy some'it there. 

STOP. Read this first. Underwear is not as simple as "Ooft, that looked fit on Miranda Kerr so my girlfriend will look equally amazing in this hot pink lace corset with nipple tassels and suspenders."

Shopping for lingerie is a bit of a tricky one, but Marks & Spencer are reaching out a helping hand to you lost souls, with a lingerie buying guide on their website. This little godsend goes alongside their gorgeous collection of beautifully crafted, understated underwear (shop it here) that any lady would welcome with open arms on Christmas day.

You can read it here, but here are a few of my own little tips to ease you in... 

1. PICK THE RIGHT RED

For some reason, you guys seem particularly drawn to bright red lingerie, but you have to be careful. The wrong red is tacky, tomato bright and, more likely than not, cheap and nasty satin. Pick something a rich, black cherry shade with subtle lace detailing like this featured Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for Autograph set in Ruby... I just received this set and I think I am a little bit in love, it is decadent but still demure enough for everyday wear, and it fits like a dream.

2. KEEP IT SIMPLE 

It's all too easy to go a bit OTT when browsing the lingerie department, but you need to remember that this is a gift for her, not you. She is probably more drawn to pretty and feminine lingerie, so think about what she likes to wear rather than what you like her to wear.

3. ALWAYS GET THE RIGHT SIZE 

This is an obvious one, but a tricky one at that. She will not be grateful to unwrap a luxurious silken bra on Christmas morning, only to find that it does not fit. That will almost certainly have you in the bad books. Make sure it's the right size before you buy. Always.

1. This black lace set by Autograph at Marks and Spencer is sexy but still flattering and sophisticated: the balconette bra is a favourite of mine as it elongates the neck and boosts a smaller bust. The bra is £27.50 and the matching french knickers are £17.50.

2. A little champagne goes a long way, and is the perfect little extra for your lovely lady this Christmas. This Oudinot Rose champagne from Marks and Spencer is £28... It's also deliciously indulgent.

3. Light up her world with this heavenly candle by Diptyque. Nothing is more romantic than candle light and this delectable scented offering by Parisian favourite Diptyque has a heady and sensual Jasmine aroma that she will simply adore.

4. Give your girlfriend the gift of relaxation with this Jo Malone bath oil in seductive Pomegranate Noir. The scent is powerful and darkly luxurious and leaves skin soft and supple £52

5. My pick has to be this Rosie for Autograph set in Ruby. The rich dark red is glossy and festive, but still sophisticated and elegant. This underwear is the perfect balance of sexy and wearable. The bra is reduced to £18 and the matching knickers are reduced to £10.

6. My favourite set also comes in a number of other pretty colourways, including this soft oyster pink. Peachy pink lingerie is feminine but still sexy, and will always be a hit.

7. Another hit of jasmine comes from this ridiculously indulgent Tom Ford Private Blend fragrance in Jasmine Rouge. It smells seductive, sensual and richly opulent. A heady floral with a woody note, a little goes a long way and this £135 bottle will look fabulous in any boudoir.

8. All I want for Christmas is a man who is happy to buy me Agent Provocateur lingerie until it is coming out my ears. This little Selena set is beyond hot- I absolutely adore it. The bra is a cool £110 and the matching knickers are £96.

9. If you fancy buying something a little more pretty, then this Rosie for Autograph teddy in oyster pink silk is just stunning. It is flattering but still exudes glamour. This lovely piece is £45.

10. I absolutely adore Mimi Holliday by Damaris, and always keep my eyes peeled for it in post-Christmas sales, but if you're lady friend is an innocent one, then stick to this crisp cream set. The bra is just £45 and the matching lace knickers are £39.

11. Last but not least, if all else fails, buy 'er some chocolate. These passion fruit flavoured salted caramels by Artisan du Chocolat are so moreish that I could just eat them all day. Perfect with champagne. These are £13.45

Gift Guide: Sweet Tooth

So, in a stark contrast with my previous gift guide (ahem, here) I bring you something a little sweeter.

A lot sweeter, actually!

Terrifyingly, the average person puts on a maahooosive five pounds around Christmas, but who can blame us when there are so many gorgeous treats around?! It really is rather difficult to stay in those size 8 skinny jeans when faced with a selection box and copious glasses of champagne... Lord help me!

Anyway, there are very few girls- or, indeed, boys- who would not thank you for something sweet on Christmas day so here are a few suggestions that are sweeter than honey.

Who? The sweet tooth is pretty much any boy or girl who goes gaga at the thought of a big bag of fudge or weak at the knees when faced with the Selfridges food hall (me? of course not...)

What does a sweet tooth love? Chocolate, biscuits, cup cakes, marshmallows, meringues, baking, sweet smelling goodies, gummy sweets, macaroons, cocktails- if it's sweet, they shall take it. 

Aah, easy peasy, so what's out there this Christmas?!

1. Hotel Chocolat The Yule Buche Collection (with slate) £25
2. The Biscuiteers Little Shoes Tin £30
3. Lily Vanilli's Sweet Tooth Cookbook £8 from Amazon
4. Black Cherry Candy Cane 99p each at Mrs Kibbles
5. Salted Caramel Drinking Chocolate £6.50 by Artisan du Chocolat
6. Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Candle £29
7. Art of Mallow Salted Caramellow Marshmallows (available here- such lovely flavours!) £2.75
8. Individual Alternative Mince Pie by Hotel Chocolate- so tasty!
9. Gingerbread Cookies white chocolate fusion bar £3 at Artisan du Chocolat
10. Harvey Nichols "Fashionista" hamper- £75 (contains chocolate toffee, chocolate and nut biscuits, red berry tea bags, Baci di Nama chocolate hazelnut biscuits, marzipan fruits, wild flower honey, pink grapefruit marmalade and sauvignon blanc)
11. Fauchon Macaroons and Champagne gift set €37

Gift Guide: The Gym Bunny

All I want for Christmas is abs.

This is a fact.

However, some lucky little duckies already have abs, chiselled ones at that, and such ladies are known as Gym Bunnies.

So while they may appear to have everything, these fitness freaks need Christmas treats too.

Who? The gym bunny is the sort of girl who is all about health and fitness. It's in the name, really. While she could well spend every waking moment down the gym, she could also simply be a yoga fan or even a bit of a health food fanatic! This is one lady who wont need to detox post-Christmas, that's for sure!

What does she love? While it may be tempting to renew her gym membership, or buy her some trainers or some'it, be a little creative yeah? These presents are all treats which any fitness fan would go weak at the knees for- particularly that Wildfox set- I. NEED. THE. CROP. TOP.

So where shall I head for my little gym bunny?!

1. WILDFOX "I Need Coffee" Crop Top $50 at Dolls Kill and Trousers £90 on the Wildfox site
2. Elemental Herbology SOS Circulation Serum £27 here - dying to try this!
3. North Face E-Tip Gloves £30 - touch screen gloves for freezing fingers
4. I Am Off To The Gym tote bag at Not On The High Street £30
5. GO TO THE GYM Cushion (spotted on Pinterest, but buy here for $89)
6. New Generation iPad Nano £129
7. Stella McCartney for Adidas CLIMAPROOF Running Shorts £50
8. David Kirsch's Abs and Arms at Space NK £20
9. Bounce Balls Coconut and Macadamia Protein Bliss around £2.50 each- my favourite high protein snack
10. Yoga Fan Practise-A-Day Guide at Sweaty Betty here £15
11. Nip + Fab Tummy Fix Daily Ab Gel here £19.25

Gift Guide: The Glitter Girl

Ding dong merrily mince pies! 

Yaaay it's less than a month till Christmas and I have finished all my work and am now ready and raring to dive headfirst into my Christmas shopping and obsessive Pinning of festive frivolities!

And, yes, I am more than aware that I sound like a raving loser but I don't care, ok?

So, without further a do, here is my prettiest gift guide yet- all for the glitter girl! 

Who? She's a girly girl at heart, but when the festive season comes around she moves from her love of all things pretty and pink, to all things shiny! If it's a little bit sparkly, she'll be a smitten kitten!

What does she love? Everything that is pretty and shimmery. Nothing tacky, nothing plasticky, just glimmering treats from frosted shower gels to Cinderella-esque Nicholas Kirkwood platforms.

So where shall I head for The Glitter Girl?

1. Rebecca Taylor Dress £350
2. Accessorize Necklace £20
3. Tatty Devine Necklace £27
4. OPI James Bond Polish in You Only Live Once £11
5. Ted Baker Wash Bag £25
6. Philosophy Cherry Christmas Sparkly Shower Gel £14
7. Incredible Nicholas Kirkwood Shoes £695
8. Lara Bohinc Necklace £690 at Atelier-To-Go
9. Bobbi Brown £35
10. Accessorize Notepad £7
11. AMAZING Jimmy Choo iPad case £260
12. Anya Hindmarch Glitter Clutch Bag £450

Gift Guide 2012: The Cosy Cutie

Hello there ladies and gents, feeling festive yet? If not... Look away, for this post is about to get as festive as Buble's Christmas album (which has been on loop since the 1st of November)...

Following my initial Goth Girl gift guide, this one is for a slightly girlier girl, less about edge, more about choccies and woolies!

Who? She's the easy going girl, whatever you buy her, she'll love it. She's the one who ooh's and aah's at all the latest festive knits, and she loves nothing more than curling up in her pyjamas, hot choc in hand and a bit of Gosling ont telly. 

What does she love? She loves everything about Christmas, to be honest. She is a family girl, and is always smiling and chirpy. She loves gingerbread men, cool fair isle sweaters and everything that is a little bit kitsch. She is also rather partial to a few cheeky eggnog lattes in Starbucks. She is a cosy cutie pie, at the end of the day.

Where does she shop? Everywhere, really, she is not particularly fussy, but she loves Urban Outfitters around Christmas time, and Jack Wills' jammies are her absolute vice. She is crazy for cosy winter warmers and knows that Christmas is the best time to indulge, be that in delectable chocolates from Hotel Chocolat or super sweet marzipan body souffle.

Oh, but, what do I buy her?!...

1. Brrr-illiant hat by Markus Lupfer at Whistles £55
2. Fair Isle leggings from Jack Wills £29.50
3. Gorgeous little mittens by Jack Wills £24.50
4. HILARIOUS Feminist Ryan Gosling book at Urban Outfitters £8.99
5. Incredible "Woodzip" Candle by Popup Paris at Harvey Nichols (literally smells like an open fire!)
6. Little choccy gingerbread men from Hotel Chocolat £6.50
7. The Cookbook collection by Philosophy (the most incredible smelling minis ever!) $30
8. Love sweater at Miss Selfridge £39
9. Cosy fair isle slippers at Accessorize £20
10. Limited edition Christmas sweater by Isabel Marant at Net-A-Porter £350
11. Delectable chocolate honeycomb treats from Artisan du Chocolat £19.95
12. Super soft cream fur snood from River Island £30
13. Smoothie Star body cream from Soap and Glory (it literally smells like marzipan- yum!) £10.50

Secret Santa Saviours #1

All tins $7.99 here

Another of my Christmas posts this year is going to be to help all you girls and boys struggling with that ever difficult secret santa! 

I will be picking out an array of quirky little gifts that won't break the bank and will definitely put you in everyone's good books!

First up, i've got these coin tins by American store Blue Q. Unfortunately, the majority are only available in their online store (here), but some can be found in Urban Outfitters for £10. 

They are just the cutest little presents to brighten up someones day, and who doesn't need a place to put those spare pennies? 

We are all saving up for a unicorn after all...

Gift Guide 2012: The Goth Girl

Tis the season to buy presents ladies and gents!

Today marks my first day of Christmas shopping so I thought it high time to unveil my first Christmas 2012 gift guide- The Goth Girl!

I will be posting regular gift guides to let you see the best of what is out there this season, as i'm sure you're aware, there is a lot to choose from!

Stay tuned for my upcoming gift guides:

THE GIRL WHO HAS EVERYTHING

THE FRAGRANCE FIEND

THE POOR LITTLE PRETTY GIRL

THE COSY CUTIE PIE

THE GLITTER GIRLY

THE GOOD TIME GIRL

First up, though, I put together my gift guide for The Goth Girl...

Who? She's the cool girl, the one who knows her MeadhamKirchoff from her Margiela. She's into fashion, art, film and music and is forever flicking through magazines. She is last Christmas' COOL GIRL (see the gift guide here)

What does she love? She loves Givenchy, she adores dark lipstick and Carine Roitfeld. She never slavishly follows trends but she is crazy for a bit of head-to-toe black. She lives for black coffee, cigarettes and neat vodka- she's that kind of cool, sexy girl who is always rather tricky to buy for.

Where does she shop? Oh, if only money were no object for the Goth Girl! She adores Riccardo Tisci's work at Givenchy and Alexander McQueen is another favourite, but she shall make do and mend with Topshop and their fabulous gothic inspired range. She is also a little bit of a sucker for American Apparel and their flowing chiffon skirts and wool floppy hats. This season, though, she would have died for anything by Gucci.

What do I buy her?!...

1. Necklace from Kurt Geiger £55

2. Feather Jacket from Topshop £90

3. Lace Detail Dress by By Malene Birger

4. Print by East End Prints £20

5. Dress by Three Floor Fashion £98

6. Rockstud Shoes by Valentino £600

7. Diary by Smythson £40

8. Agent Provocateur bra £110

9. Prada Large Saffiano Tote £1150

10. Nails Inc Limited Edition Polish £15

11. Diptique Fleur de Bois Candle £55 at Space NK

12. Skull Money Bank £15 at Urban Outfitters

13. Happy Pills Case $8.99 at Miamica

14. Beauty Bag £20 at La La Land Boutique

15. NARS Andy Warhol Gift Set £26

If you have anything else you'd love me to post on, drop a comment below! 

Daddy's Girl?

I am, and always will be, a bit of a daddy's girl. I'm a mummy's girl too, obviously, but I love my dad to pieces and he means the world to me. While he'll never understand my pointless strops and turbulent moods, nine times out of ten, father knows best.

He's grumpy, bless him, he can lose his temper and he keeps stealing my Grazia, but he is also unselfish, funny and all he wants is to make his three girls happy- as most dad's do. It's so cheesy to say, but he is one in a million and every day I count myself lucky to have him. 

I genuinely do not know what i'd do without my dad, and i'm sure you'll all feel the same, so make sure you spoil him rotten this coming Sunday for Father's Day.

I know, I know, men are tricky to buy for. You don't want to get them something crap, but everything they want they tend to have! My dad is a total nightmare to buy for, but here is a little booklet with a few failsafe buys for dad! The pork pie is my best best- what man doesn't love a pork pie, eh?

However, Dad, if you're reading, no pies for you- those pork scratchings you bought in Selfridges are already taking their toll on that ever expanding belly of yours! (I joke...)

Open publication - Free publishing - More fashion

Call Me?

Ever since I got my iPhone (aka: my life) I have been hunting for the perfect cover. A chic, pretty and quirky case is quite tricky to find, especially on a budget, but I feel I may have struck gold with my latest discovery: Iconemesis.

Iconemesis is a great concept, decorating iPhone covers (both 3G and 4G) with beautiful designs by the UK's finest artists. It's all about iPhone covers that reflect your own unique style and personality, and let's not forget how gorgeous they are! 

From cutesy Fifi Lapin illustrations to zingy Tropical designs, these are certainly worth the £24.99! They also make the perfect present for a style-conscious friend. 

As far as i'm concerned, it's all well and good having the perfect hair, the manicured nails and the 'it' bag, but if your phone looks shabby what's the point? Check out the Iconemesis site here, and follow them on Twitter here!